While the playoff has taken a predictable path this fall, consider just how rare it is that No. 1 Alabama, No. 2 Clemson and No. 3 Notre Dame are entering rivalry week undefeated: It's only the fourth time in the past 20 years that three Power 5 teams (or BCS automatic qualifiers) have started 11-0.
Since the BCS was created in 1998, it has happened three other times, according to ESPN Stats & Information research: in 2013 (Alabama, Florida State and Ohio State), 2009 (Alabama, Florida and Texas) and 2004 (Auburn, Oklahoma and USC).
That's it.
So here we are, with three undefeated teams holding strong in the top four and only two weeks remaining before the College Football Playoff selection committee announces its final ranking on Dec.